Manchester City Fined For Kick-Off Delays, Barca Under Pressure To Sell Players

Manchester City have been slapped with a hefty £1.08 million fine by the Premier League for a series of delayed kick-offs during the 2023/24 season.

Premier League authorities confirmed on Thursday that Pep Guardiola’s side breached regulations concerning match kick-off and restart times on nine occasions between October and February.

The most significant delay occurred during the Manchester derby at Old Trafford in December, with the second half resuming two minutes and 24 seconds late.

In a statement, the Premier League said: “Rules relating to kick-offs and restarts help ensure the organisation of the competition is set at the highest possible professional standard and provides certainty to fans and participating clubs. It also ensures the broadcast of every Premier League match is kept to schedule.”

City acknowledged the violations and have since issued an apology. This is not the first time the club has faced sanctions for time-related infractions. Last year, they were fined over £2 million for 22 similar breaches.

The reigning treble winners had a disappointing campaign last season, finishing third in the Premier League and losing the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace. They are currently competing in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

Barcelona Consider Player Sales Amid Transfer Push

Barcelona are reportedly preparing for a summer clear-out in a bid to register new signings Joan Garcia and Nico Williams.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan giants may have to part ways with as many as seven players to comply with La Liga’s strict financial regulations.

Ansu Fati, Pau Victor, Pablo Torre, Inaki Peña, Oriol Romeu, Andreas Christensen, and Marc-André ter Stegen are all believed to be available for transfer.

While the club has already secured the signing of Garcia from Espanyol, negotiations are ongoing for Athletic Club’s Williams.

Despite their ongoing financial difficulties, Barça remain optimistic they can register both players without needing a major sale.

Club president Joan Laporta recently insisted that the worst of the financial turmoil is behind them and that the 2024/25 season promises “exciting” developments for fans.

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